14 Fascinating Yoga Poses

Here are some statistics on yoga, primarily based on the 2016 Yoga in America Study conducted by Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance, and some more recent surveys:

1. Practitioners: In 2016, it was estimated that over 36 million Americans practiced yoga. This number has likely grown since then, with some sources estimating that there are now more than 55 million practitioners in the U.S. alone.
2. Gender: The majority of yoga practitioners are female, with women representing approximately 72% of the participants, according to the 2016 study.
3. Age: Yoga is prevalent across all age groups. In the U.S., the age distribution of practitioners in 2016 was as follows:
   • 18-29 years old: 19%
   • 30-49 years old: 43%
   • 50-64 years old: 30%
   • 65+ years old: 8%
4. Growth: The number of yoga practitioners in the U.S. increased by over 50% between 2012 and 2016, from 20.4 million to 36 million. The global yoga market is also growing, with an estimated value of around $80 billion in 2021.
5. Spending: In 2016, yoga practitioners in the U.S. spent around $16 billion on classes, gear, and accessories, up from $10 billion in 2012.
6. Yoga teachers: In the U.S., there were over 52,000 registered yoga teachers with the Yoga Alliance in 2016. This number has also likely grown in recent years.
7. Health benefits: A 2017 National Health Interview Survey found that 94% of respondents practiced yoga for wellness reasons, with 86% reporting that it reduced stress, 67% saying it improved overall health, and 63% noting that it motivated them to exercise more.
8. Accessibility: About 34% of Americans in 2016 stated that they were somewhat or very likely to practice yoga in the next 12 months, showing the potential for yoga’s continued growth and accessibility.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct follow-up study to the 2016 Yoga in America Study. However, here are some updated statistics from various sources to give you a more recent picture of yoga’s prevalence and impact:

1. Practitioners: A 2020 study conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance estimated that there were about 43 million yoga practitioners in the U.S.
2. COVID-19 impact: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected yoga practice worldwide. In-person yoga classes were replaced with virtual classes, and many people turned to online resources and home practice. This shift led to a surge in demand for online yoga content, with a Google Trends analysis in 2020 showing a 65% increase in global search interest for “online yoga” compared to the previous year.
3. Global market: The global yoga and wellness market was valued at approximately $66.2 billion in 2020, according to a report by Grand View Research, Inc., and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% from 2021 to 2028.
4. Online yoga market: The online yoga market experienced significant growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the online yoga market is expected to reach a value of $6.5 billion by 2026.
5. Mental health benefits: A study published in the International Journal of Yoga in 2020 found that yoga practice can help reduce anxiety and depression, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. Corporate interest: Businesses have become more interested in yoga and mindfulness practices to support employee well-being. A 2020 survey conducted by Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health reported that 88% of large U.S. employers offered their employees some form of yoga, meditation, or mindfulness program.

These statistics provide an overview of yoga’s recent growth and its impact on various aspects of society. However, it’s essential to note that data from 2020 and 2021 may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly influenced how people practice yoga and access wellness resources.